Published on: 2026-08-26
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
26 August 2026 UN
Today, there are more wars burning in the world than ever since 1945, and in the past five years, more people have died in combat than in the previous 25 years. This was reminded on Wednesday by UN Secretary-General António Guterres while presenting a report on the future of peacekeeping to the General Assembly.
The Head of the Organization emphasized that the very nature of conflicts is rapidly changing: drones are being increasingly used, possibilities of employing AI-based lethal autonomous weapons are being discussed, and the threat of nuclear weapons use is growing.
At the same time, comprehensive peace agreements are being concluded less and less often. “The share of conflicts resolved through a peace agreement is the lowest in recent decades,” the Secretary-General said.
In the context of geopolitical tension and polarization, UN peacekeeping operations have faced a crisis of resources and mandates.
“The opinions of [UN] member states increasingly diverge not only on how to respond to threats to peace but also on how these threats themselves should be understood. As a result, mandates may lack clarity,” Guterres noted.
The opinions of [UN] member states are increasingly diverging not only on how to respond to threats to peace, but also on how these threats themselves should be understood
To restore the effectiveness of peacekeeping, the Secretary-General called on the international community to carry out a comprehensive “restart” of the entire system and adapt it to new realities.
In the report presented today entitled “A Review of the Future of All UN Peace Operations,” Guterres offers practical recommendations covering the full spectrum of peacekeeping tools – from the Office of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan and the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia to large multidimensional missions, such as those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.
The report calls for a shift of focus to preventive diplomacy, peacebuilding, and close partnership with host countries. The UN chief emphasized that peacekeepers cannot operate amid a complete lack of political will from the parties.
The Secretary-General stated that sending contingents to “hotspots” without basic agreements is pointless.
“Peacekeeping operations should be deployed only when a peace agreement has been reached or at least a stable ceasefire is in place. We cannot maintain peace where there is none,” he said.
The new UN strategy also entails a clear ‘division of labor’ with other UN bodies and increasing the flexibility and responsiveness of missions. Against the backdrop of reduced funding for peacekeeping operations, Guterres called for strengthening their technological capabilities.
We cannot maintain peace where there is none
Speaking about the increased attacks on the blue helmets, the UN chief stated the necessity of protecting the mission personnel.
“Attacks on UN peacekeepers must stop, and those responsible must be held accountable. No impunity. No exceptions,” he said.
The report also examines the role of regional organizations, including the African Union, and the implementation of Resolution 2719 on the financing of peacekeeping operations conducted under its auspices.
The Secretary-General noted that in some cases, peace enforcement operations under the leadership of regional coalitions are possible, but strictly within the framework of international law.
“According to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, enforcement measures for peace may include a range of coercive actions, including the use of military force, taken with the authorization of the Security Council to maintain or restore international peace and security. Unlike UN peacekeeping operations, enforcement actions do not necessarily require the strategic consent of the conflicting parties,” Guterres said.
The Secretary-General emphasized that any peacekeeping reforms require the support of the international community.
“Peacekeeping operations are, first and foremost, political instruments. Their success depends on how well their mandates align with local needs, on the will of the parties, and on the level of political support from the Security Council and member states,” he concluded.
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